Leitz — A Pioneer of Alcohol-Free Riesling

The House

Riesling from the Rheingau

Leitz is one of the pioneers of alcohol-free wine in Germany.

The Johannes Leitz estate in Rüdesheim, in the Rheingau, traces its roots to 1744. Johannes Leitz took over in 1985 with 2.9 hectares — today the house farms over 130 hectares, many on steep slate slopes.

With Eins-Zwei-Zero, Leitz is a front-runner: alcohol-free wine from 100% Riesling of its own sites — proof that enjoyment needs no alcohol.

1744Roots

1985Johannes Leitz

130+Hectares

0,0%& 0.5%

History

From rebuilding to a leading estate

After the estate was destroyed in WWII, Johannes’ grandfather Josef rebuilt it. In 1985 Johannes Leitz took over after training as a master vintner — starting with 2.9 hectares. Under his leadership the estate grew to over 130 hectares. In 2011 Leitz was named Gault Millau “Winemaker of the Year”.

The People

Johannes Leitz

Johannes Leitz is regarded as one of the Rheingau’s most visionary winemakers — and a pioneer of alcohol-free wine. With Eins-Zwei-Zero he brought Riesling quality into the 0.0% category.

Even without alcohol, wine should still taste like wine.

Terroir

Steep slate slopes by the Rhine

The extreme steep slopes, the high slate content and the heat reflected by the Rhine create extraordinary ripeness, a steely acid structure and enormous ageing potential — the foundation for distinctive Rieslings.

The Craft

How Eins-Zwei-Zero is made

It starts with a full, real Riesling from the estate’s own sites.

01

100% Riesling

Grapes from Leitz’s own Rheingau sites, gently pressed.

02

Cool fermentation

Fermented at cool temperatures to preserve fruit and aromatics.

03

Vacuum de-alcoholisation

In a vacuum evaporator at max 27 °C the alcohol evaporates — aroma and bouquet remain.

At the Table

How to serve it

The Riesling shines with fish, Asian cuisine and light starters; the sparkling versions make a fresh aperitif; the rosé suits summer dishes and berries.

Recognition